Way back in 1986 singer Matt Johnston wrote a song called Heartland (51st State of the USA), railing against the Americanisation of the UK. That was then. South East London band Grantura is going in the opposite direction on their forthcoming album In Dreams and Other Stories. You can hear the Byrds , The Lovin' Spoonful and a lot of CSN in their compositions, but don't forget that Graham Nash is a very English guy and his sense of melody is the strongest influence for this sextet.
In Dreams and Other Stories is a folk pop record from the classic sixties: you get a lot 12 string guitar and even the sitar makes an appearance. The production is crystal clear, with all the instruments jumping out of the speakers as if you were in the room with the band when they were recording it.
Grantura:
Matthew Owen: vocals, guitar, harmonica, percussion, polka dot scarves
Simon Collin: vocals, 6 & 12 string guitars, lap steel
Lindsay Clark: vocals, guitars, occasional banjo
Rick Blackman: 6 & 12 string guitars, mandolin, banjo, sitar, percussion, hammond organ
James McCauley: bass, stripey jumpers
David Graham: drums, percussion, jack daniels
In Dreams and Other Stories is released on Ruffa Lane Records. Release date: August 11th.
Tracks:
- Waves
- In Dreams
- Sunshine
- Lazarus
- House Of Cards
- Forever September
- Holly
- Down From The Mountain
- Land Of The Big Skies
- Hymn For A Drunk
Live dates:
- 08/24 Boogaloo, London
- 08/31 All Aboard the Mudlark @ Filthy McNasty's, London
- 09/13 The Borderline, London
- 09/21Nashville on Thames @ The Buffalo Bar, London
- 10/02 The Music Palace, London
MP3: Grantura - Waves
MP3: Grantura - Down From The Mountain
» myspace.com/grantura